Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd open dialogue with Inter Milan after top-class performance puts star ‘back in fashion’ for big clubs

Lautaro Martinez, Joaquin Correa and Ivan Perisic

Manchester United have reportedly begun initial talks with Inter Milan over the signing of striker Lautaro Martinez following his great display against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Reports put Manchester United and Tottenham in the frame for Martinez’s signing back in May. The two clubs were considering a raid on Inter to bring the attacker to the Premier League.

But in June Italian football agent Massimo Brambatti was asked about Antonio Conte and whether he would green light a move for Martinez.

Brambatti said Conte was happy with his existing options in attack and would not pursue the Inter star. And no move from Manchester United came about either, as Martinez remained in Italy for the start of the 2022-23 campaign.

In recent weeks, though, Martinez has come back into the sights of Premier League clubs. Spurs are looking at the Argentine as a possible replacement for Harry Kane, should their talisman leave for Bayern Munich.

Unfortunately for Spurs, Real Madrid joined the race for Martinez on Friday. As per Italian source Calciomercatoweb, Real believe him to be a great successor to Karim Benzema in attack.

And things have now got more complicated for Conte’s side, with Manchester United making enquiries about Martinez. According to Sport Witness, who cite Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Red Devils have opened preliminary discussions with Inter for the 25-year-old.

These talks started after Man Utd asked for ‘first-hand information’ on the forward’s situation and whether he might be available for transfer.

Lautaro Martinez performance impresses Man Utd

The main reason Man Utd have begun targeting Martinez again is because of his recent performance against Barca. Martinez registered a goal and an assist for Inter as they drew 3-3 with Barca in the Champions League earlier this week.

At 1-1 in the second half, Martinez brought down a long ball and finished past Marc-Andre Der Stegen with the help of both posts to give Inter the lead.

Barca drew level, but Martinez continued to cause them problems and played in Robin Gosens for Inter’s third goal in the final few minutes of normal time.

Robert Lewandowski saved Barca’s blushes in stoppage time by heading into the top corner. The two teams shared the spoils as the game ended 3-3.

It was an exciting display from Martinez and the report claims it has put him ‘back in fashion’ for top clubs such as Man Utd.

Erik ten Hag’s side have taken their long-term ‘courtship’ of Martinez a step further by discussing a potential deal with Inter.

This puts Spurs’ pursuit of the South American under serious threat. However, it is not a foregone conclusion that Martinez will end up at Old Trafford.

Sport Witness also put French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the frame for his signature. Just like Man Utd, PSG have opened initial talks with Inter about a move.

It will be hard for either club to prize the 40-cap international away from Inter. He has a long-term contract with the Nerazzurri which lasts until June 2026. This puts them under no pressure to sell next year.

Man Utd need to pull off serious charm offensive

Man Utd or PSG will also need to convince Martinez to leave Inter. According to his representative Alejandro Camano, Martinez is ‘really happy’ at the club.

“The match [vs Barca] was incredible,” Camano said. “I am very happy because I know that Lautaro is really happy with his team.

“Then with the goal he also made many Nerazzurri fans in Italy happy. For us this was further confirmation of the happiness Lautaro is experiencing.

“For the fact that he is part of a great team in Italy but also in Europe. It is definitely a positive moment. So, long live Inter.”

Meanwhile, Paul Merson thinks Man Utd could be in for a ‘shock’ when they play Newcastle on Sunday.